Number 108 is the most sacred and important number in Hindu dharma. It represents completeness. The number 1 represents beginning, 0 represents emptiness and the divine, and 8 signifies infinity and eternal cycles. Together, the number represents the eternal journey of the soul and the cyclical nature of life and death. There are some stunning facts involving this number which not everyone is aware of. Let’s explore them in today’s post.
Distance from Earth to the Sun and Moon
The diameter of the Sun multiplied by 108 equals the distance between the Earth and the Sun. The diameter of the Moon multiplied by 108 equals the distance between the Earth and the Moon. Also, the diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth.
The Human Body
As per yoga literature, there are seven primary chakras, or energy centers, in the human body. These chakras are vital for maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The chakras are interconnected by 108 energy routes, or nadis, through which prana, or life force, flows. The alignment of these energies is crucial for achieving spiritual balance and awakening.
Chanting mantras
Hindus, have been chanting various mantras since Vedic times. It is believed that chanting mantras can lead to spiritual awakening and realisation. Chanting any mantra 108 times means completing one meditation cycle. It is believed that it brings you closer to the divine consciousness.
Mala beads
The Hindu prayer beads, known as ‘jaap mala’ consist of 108 beads. These malas are used during meditation, prayer and chanting mantras. The 108 beads symbolize the 108 human passions that one must overcome to attain enlightenment.
Movements in Traditional Indian Dance
In Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, there are 108 dance movements. This highlights the connection between dance as an activity and spiritual awakening.
Vedic Astrology
Our ancient sages knew about mathematical calculations relating to the universe long before modern math formulas came into existence. Vedic astrology is a deep science which our ancient rishis used to advise kings in their decision making. They also used it to match couples for marriage.
Vedic astrology observes movement of 9 planets through 12 houses ( 12 x 9 = 108). Also there are 27 nakshatras (constellations) across 4 directions (27 x 4 = 108).
Hindu Scriptures
In our Hindu scriptures too, 108 holds a special place. There are 108 Upanishads. In Sanskrit language, there are 54 letters. Each letter has a masculine and feminine quality. So 54 multiplied by 2 again equals 108. Most of our scriptures are written in Sanskrit. Also, each deity in Hinduism has 108 names.
Per ancient Hindu scriptures, number 108 is the basis of all creation. It is a Harshad number. Such a number is an integer which can be divided by the sum of its digits. In Sanskrit, ‘Harsha’ means joy and ‘da’ means give. So Harshad translates to ‘Joy giver’.
